Question 1

Which of the following statements best describes a straight-chain alkane?

Accepted Answer

It is a hydrocarbon with only single bonds and a continuous, unbranched chain of carbon atoms.

Question 2

What is the general molecular formula for straight-chain alkanes?

Accepted Answer

$\mathrm{C}_n\mathrm{H}_{2n+2}$

Question 3

Which of the following best explains why alkanes are nonpolar and do not dissolve in water?

Accepted Answer

Alkanes have only C-H and C-C bonds, which share electrons almost equally, making them nonpolar.

Question 4

Which of the following is the correct condensed structural formula for butane?

Accepted Answer

$\mathrm{CH}_3\mathrm{CH}_2\mathrm{CH}_2\mathrm{CH}_3$

Question 5

A hydrocarbon with the molecular formula $\mathrm{C}_5\mathrm{H}_{12}$ is most likely:

Accepted Answer

An alkane

Question 6

Which of the following is a correct statement about cycloalkanes?

Accepted Answer

Cycloalkanes are ring structures of carbon atoms with only single bonds.

Question 7

What is the molecular formula for cyclopentane?

Accepted Answer

$\mathrm{C}_5\mathrm{H}_{10}$

Question 8

Which of the following is a product of the complete combustion of an alkane?

Accepted Answer

$\mathrm{CO}_2$ and $\mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O}$

Question 9

Which of the following best describes a functional group in organic chemistry?

Accepted Answer

A specific group of atoms within a molecule that determines its chemical reactivity.

Question 10

Which of the following is true about the 'R' group in functional group notation?

Accepted Answer

It represents the rest of the molecule, usually a carbon chain, attached to the functional group.

Question 11

Which of the following statements about alkenes is correct?

Accepted Answer

Alkenes contain at least one carbon-carbon double bond and are more reactive than alkanes.

Question 12

Which of the following is the correct skeletal structure for cyclobutane?

Accepted Answer

A square

Question 13

A molecule with the formula $\mathrm{C}_6\mathrm{H}_{14}$ is most likely:

Accepted Answer

A straight-chain or branched alkane

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct step in drawing a skeletal structure for an organic molecule?

Accepted Answer

Draw the carbon skeleton in a zigzag pattern, omitting hydrogen atoms attached to carbons.

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct statement about the combustion of propane ($\mathrm{C}_3\mathrm{H}_8$)?

Accepted Answer

It produces $\mathrm{CO}_2$ and $\mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O}$ when burned completely in oxygen.

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct example of a hydrocarbon functional group?

Accepted Answer

Alkene

Question 17

Which of the following is the correct name for the alkane with 7 carbon atoms?

Accepted Answer

Heptane

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the difference between a molecular formula and a Lewis structure?

Accepted Answer

A molecular formula shows only the number of each type of atom, while a Lewis structure shows all atoms and bonds.

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct statement about the use of alkanes as fuels?

Accepted Answer

Alkanes react with oxygen to produce energy, carbon dioxide, and water.

Organic Compounds: Structure, Alkanes, and Functional Groups

Study Guide - Practice Questions